CCIA Training Requirements:
16+2 Hours

Statutory Basis

Penal Law Section 400.00(19), enacted as part of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), mandates that every applicant for a concealed carry license complete a minimum of 16 hours of in-person live curriculum instruction and 2 hours of live-fire range training.^[1] This 18-hour combined requirement took effect on September 1, 2022, and applies to all new concealed carry applications filed on or after that date.^[2]

Classroom Curriculum (16 Hours)

The 16-hour in-person classroom component must be delivered by a duly authorized instructor approved jointly by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the New York State Police (NYSP).^[3] The minimum standards for the curriculum require instruction in the following subject areas:

• General firearm safety, including safe handling, storage, and operation
• New York State Penal Law provisions relating to the lawful use of deadly physical force (Article 35)
• Penal Law provisions governing the possession, use, and licensing of firearms (Articles 265 and 400)
• Sensitive and restricted locations where licensed carry is prohibited under PL 265.01-d and PL 265.01-e
• Safe storage requirements, including vehicle storage under PL 265.45
• Situational awareness and conflict de-escalation techniques
• Suicide prevention awareness and resources

Live-Fire Training (2 Hours)

The 2-hour live-fire component must be conducted at a lawfully operated indoor or outdoor shooting range. During this portion, instructors evaluate each applicant's ability to safely handle, load, unload, and fire a handgun. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in basic marksmanship and safe range procedures.^[3]

Written Examination

Upon completion of the classroom instruction, each applicant must pass a written test covering the course curriculum with a minimum score of 80%.^[1] Applicants who fail the written test may retake it, though specific retake policies are set by individual training providers.

Instructor Approval

Instructors must be duly authorized by the DCJS and the NYSP before they may conduct concealed carry training courses. The state sets minimum standards for instructor qualifications, including prior law enforcement, military, or NRA-certified instructor experience. Approved instructors are required to follow the state-mandated curriculum and may supplement it with additional material at their discretion.^[4]

Cost and Availability

Training course fees are set by individual instructors and training facilities; there is no state-mandated price. Costs typically range from $200 to $400 depending on the provider and location. The state does not provide the training directly.^[2]